Shadows of the Damned is Not Suitable for Children

March 30, 2011Written by Josh Fernandes

When Goichi Suda and Shinji Mikami team up to make a game, you know it will leave a lasting impression. Killer 7 was the last game to receive the combined talent of these two renowned game designers. Independently, they have worked on some hard-hitting titles, such as Vanquish and No More Heroes. ESRB has just released the rating on their upcoming game, Shadows of the Damned, which will give you a chuckle if you enjoyed the humor in God Hand.

ESRB has given Shadows of the Damned a Mature rating. Here is an excerpt from the ESRB explaining why the game deserves that rating:

This is a third-person shooter in which players assume the role of Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter who must retrieve his kidnapped girlfriend from Hell. Players use a former demon that can transform into various weapons (e.g., pistols, torches, shotguns, machine guns) to kill demonic creatures in underworld cities. Combat is highlighted by loud cries of pain, realistic gunfire, and large explosions. The violence is often accompanied by blood effects: large blood splashes occur when enemies are hit, and some demons explode into bloody gibs when killed; cutscenes also depict the decapitation of boss creatures, resulting in fountain-like sprays of blood. In one level, players can view a handful of strip club–themed billboards (e.g., ‘Strippers,’ ‘Sex Parade’). In another sequence, a giant female character gyrates while cupping her exposed breasts; moaning sounds can be heard in the background. The words ‘f**k,’ ‘sh*t,’ and ‘d*ck’ can be heard in the dialogue.

I would be surprised if the ESRB staff member was able to keep a straight face while writing that description. On June 7th, gamers will be able to find out why that giant female is gyrating.